Interviews

The aim of interviewing is to assess whether the candidate has the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to do the job.

Interview preparation

It’s almost impossible to make distinction between applicants on the basis of application information alone.

Interviews normally take 20-40 minutes.

Compile your interview questions in advance.

Interview questions

Interview questions should be open questions, i.e. those beginning with what, which, why, where, when, who or how. Using closed questions, i.e. those which invite only a yes or no answer, are generally, not useful, however, closed questions can be used to establish specific facts.

Plan interview questions in advance to help ensure consistency and fairness.

Give each candidate plenty of opportunity to sell themselves, and to ask questions.

Don't be afraid to ask challenging or difficult questions if it is relevant to the job.

First interview

The first interview by telephone should aim to see if the applicant has the necessary skills or qualifications to perform the job.

Second interview

The aim of a face to face interview is to assess the candidates’ social and emotional aptitude by asking the candidate real life workplace questions and listening to their answers.

Interview follow-up

At the end of an interview, the interviewer should inform the candidate of the organisation's follow-up procedures — from whom, by what means, and when they will be contacted. Interview follow up letters should be sent out promptly this shows professional courtesy something many employers forget.